John McCain’s Concession Speech: The Return Of The 2000 John McCain

What was most striking about Republican Senator John McCain’s classy, gracious, unity-embracing concession speech shortly after it became Democratic Senator Barack Obama had enough electoral votes to win the White House? Two things:

1. Unlike in past races, McCain didn’t turn out to be the non-winner who lingered before conceding: he quickly moved to put an end to the political race and begin the nation’s political healing process.

2. But, most strikingly, the speech was vintage 2000 John McCain — and it was perhaps a bit bittersweet to some of McCain’s 2000 supporters who voted against him this year as they most likely wondered: “Why didn’t he talk like this during the campaign? Why didn’t he run using this same tone and persona?” McCain’s speech made it seem as if a long-lost twin brother had suddenly reappeared. It was one of the finest moments of his long, troubled campaign. This time he wasn’t worrying about the reaction of his party’s base — only what he felt needed to be said. Just like in 2000.

The full text of his speech is HERE.